The Artdog Image(s) of Interest I displayed my artwork at FenCon XVI. You might remember I mentioned that in my mid-week post. I spent a large chunk of time Thursday on the FenCon XVI Art Show. That was “setup day,” when the tables and display panels went up, and then the first of the art (the mail-ins and the work of artists able to arrive today) did, too. As much as possible, all the rest of the art went up Friday, preferably before the Art Show opened to the…
The Artdog Image of Interest A TEDx speaker, architect Dong-Ping Wong, lays out a case for moving past “sustainable” and transitioning into “productive” architecture. Specifically, he describes architecture that produces three kinds of benefits: Solar and wind energy (see below). Solar and wind energy (see below). Clean water filtration in a river, via his +POOL project. Agricultural crop yields in the middle of a city (strong echoes of my Rana Station, here! Who knew?). He calls it an “urban quilt of productivity.” I’ll warn you: this is longer than…
The Artdog Image(s) of Interest A Worldcon 76 montage: Clockwise from upper L: My badge, with ribbons; on the walk between the Convention Center and the Fairmont (where I’m staying); (center) Chesley Award winners Neil Clarke and Gregory Manchess; William F. Wu with his new book; the lineup of Chesley Award trophies; the hour-long line to get our badges. I’m at the 76th World Science Fiction Convention, AKA “Worldcon 76” or #Worldcon76. There’s one committee, the World Science Fiction Society (WSFS), that guides and works with local groups that sponsor each individual event,…
The Artdog Image of Interest This is the first spark of the idea–an image finished at last! The First Guardian (2013-18) still needs a mat, but I hope to start exhibiting it soon. I rediscovered a forgotten piece of artwork the other day. Well, it was part of a piece of artwork. I knew it wasn’t finished yet. I’d put it together sometime back in 2015 or 2016 (I’d like to say I keep better records than that, but no. There are gaps). At the time, I…
The Artdog Images of Interest This has been my week to just miss anniversaries. Earlier this week I missed K9 Veterans Day. This time it’s the anniversary of my subject’s birth: Rosa Bonheur (born Marie-Rosalie Bonheur) was born March 16, 1822. In the course of her 77 years, Bonheur became the most famous woman painter of her century, won a long list of honors for her artwork including the Legion of Honor, and shocked a great many sensibilities with her highly…
Today’s Artdog Image of Interest: During the month of July my Quotes of the Week and Images of Interest will explore the idea of “inclusive patriotism,” inspired by a recent column written by Robert Reich. I found an awesome opening-post image from the talented designer Ben Karis-Nix, to express my take on the theme. For the record: I support and believe in the ideal of a United States of America where people from everywhere are welcome, and where everyone has…
They show up in many places: service dogs of all sizes and breeds. Even in places where no dogs are supposed to be allowed. Can they really ALL be service dogs? Sometimes the people they’re with really do look as if they are injured or impaired in some way–but other times the people look normal. And yes, sometimes it’s a scam. But businesses and the general public are legally required to treat them ALL as if they are real, and…
Or maybe it’s your idea of a “treasure island”? If you’re like most of my friends, reading is one of life’s best joys–or, at least, I hope that for you! I can’t imagine a creative summer for anyone of any age without chances to voyage to the far shores of the imagination, via books. Summer reading is one of the best ways a child can stay fluent and avoid the dreaded summer slump. My friend Veda Jairrels has made a…